Accusations of child endangerment should never be taken lightly. A conviction could not only put your parental rights at risk but potentially subject you to severe penalties, including jail time and significant fines.
A Wellington child endangerment lawyer can ensure your rights are protected from the start of your case. At Rossen Law Firm, we leave no stone unturned when building your defense. A knowledgeable domestic violence attorney can uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and leverage strategies to seek mitigation or removal of the charges against you.
Several charges could fall under the purview of child endangerment, so it is essential to consult with a Wellington attorney promptly when such allegations are made. Allegations of abuse and neglect of a child could subject someone to child endangerment charges. A parent or someone who is a child’s caregiver must ensure the adequate guidance and care of the minor, ensuring that both their physical and emotional needs are met. These duties also extend to ensuring that the child is safeguarded from neglect or other harmful behavior perpetrated by someone else.
If a parent does not take steps to ensure their child’s care, guidance, and protection, either due to willful intent or negligence, the law can hold them responsible even if bodily harm does not occur. When a guardian’s failure results in physical harm to the child, this can compound the nature of the charges and associated penalties.
Child abuse and child neglect can be charged as third-degree felonies, with the potential of fines and jail time if a conviction is reached. In Florida, a third-degree felony carries a maximum period of incarceration of five years. In addition to that period of imprisonment, a person convicted of child abuse or neglect as a third-degree felony could be ordered to pay up to $5,000 in financial penalties.
When that abuse or neglect results in a minor sustaining severe physical injuries or harm, these charges are upgraded to higher-level felonies. For example, when someone is accused of inflicting child abuse that resulted in severe bodily harm to the child, they can be charged with a first-degree felony. Florida imposes a maximum prison term of 30 years for most first-degree felony convictions, plus up to $10,000 in financial penalties.
A conviction can also impose a permanent criminal record and the inability of a parent to access their children due to loss of custodial rights. Our Wellington attorneys understand precisely what is on the line if you are facing child endangerment charges, and we are ready to deploy the most effective course of action for your case.
A conviction for a charge related to alleged child endangerment could see you face the total weight of consequences attached to a felony. Beyond the strict sentences connected to such charges, you could also be left with a permanent criminal record that impacts your ability to live normally.
Our Wellington child endangerment lawyers know that good people make mistakes, but we also know what is at stake. We can offer vigilant representation and guidance at every stage of your case, while helping you avoid costly mistakes both in and outside the courtroom. Our team of attorneys can help answer questions regarding child endangerment; call our Wellington Law Firm.
Rossen Law Firm’s legal team understands what’s at stake when you’re charged with a crime in South Florida. We’re committed to defending you and protecting your rights. Our legal team is ready to create a customized strategy for your case to fight for the best possible outcome. We handle Criminal, DUI, Federal, Domestic Violence, Marchman Act & Baker Act cases, and more.
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